US Alarmed by Putin’s Proposal to Arm North Korea Amid Rising Tensions
The United States has expressed deep concern over Vladimir Putin’s recent indication that Russia might supply weapons to North Korea. This follows a defense pact signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which mandates mutual military assistance in case of an attack. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that such an action could destabilize the Korean peninsula and potentially violate UN Security Council resolutions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and South Korea’s foreign ministry both condemned the treaty, calling it a significant threat to regional peace. The pact comes amid escalating tensions, with reports of North Korea providing missiles and ammunition to Russia for its war in Ukraine. In response, Putin hinted at reciprocal arms supplies to North Korea, citing Western military aid to Ukraine as justification.
During a visit to Vietnam, Putin warned South Korea against arming Ukraine, suggesting that Russia would retaliate. South Korea, which has provided non-lethal aid to Ukraine, is reconsidering its policy against supplying weapons to warring nations.
US and South Korean officials fear that Russia could enhance North Korea’s ballistic and nuclear missile capabilities. The situation has already intensified regional tensions, with North and South Korea engaging in psychological warfare and military confrontations along their border. The US is reinforcing its commitment to a “free and open” Indo-Pacific, with senior diplomats visiting the region to strengthen alliances.
